Source

Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside first isolated from Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat) in 1860 by Schunck. The most frequently occurring flavonoid glycoside it was isolated from Ruta graveolens in 1942 by A. Weiss. Since then it has been found in almost all higher plants and commercial production is made from F. esculentum (Polygonaceae), Sophora japonica (Leguminosae) and Eucalyptus macrorhyncha.

Buckwheat is a pseudocereal being used as a foodgrain in the Himalayan region and in the hilly areas of Tamil Nadu. F. esculentum and F. tartaricum are the two high yielding species with the latter being richer in rutin. S. japonica is an ornamental plant grown in Kashmir valley and large-scale production of rutin from E. macrorhyncha and E. youmani is undertaken in Australia and New Zealand.

Uses

Rutin is one of the bioactive flavonoid compounds which are present in substantial amounts in plants. It has a broad range of physiological activities. The only flavone in clinical use, rutin is used as both rutinoside and as its aglycone quercetin. These two are used in combination with ascorbic acid to treat capillary bleeding due to increased capillary fragility as seen in degenerative vascular disease, diabetes, retinitis and allergic manifestation. Rutin and its aglycone are used as protection against harmful radiations including x-rays.

Rutin inhibits platelet aggregation and decreases capillary permeability. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and inhibits the enzyme aldose reductase found in the eyes and a number of other body tissues. An anti-coagulant, it improves blood circulation. Synthetic hydroxyl ethyl derivatives of rutin are used in chronic venous insufficiency. It is used in the management of chylothorax in dogs and cats. Both quercetin and rutin are used in many countries as medications for blood vessel protection and are ingredients of numerous multivitamin preparations and herbal remedies.